Dental Implant System and Method

ABSTRACT

An implant fixture is disclosed. The implant fixture contains an elongated shaft section, a head section, wherein the head section comprises at least one concave area for bone growth therein, and a protrusion extending from the head section.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/583,392, filed on Dec. 26, 2014 and claimingpriority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/043,777, filed on Aug.29, 2014 and claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.62/085,514, filed on Nov. 29, 2014. This application is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.14/953,358, filed on Nov. 29, 2015 and claiming priority from U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/085,514, filed on Nov. 29, 2014.

FIELD

The present invention relates to the filed of dental implants.

BACKGROUND

Restorations supported by dental implants with adjacent and/or opposingteeth have been performed by thousands of clinicians. An exemplaryrestoration process is shown in FIGS. 1a-d . Referring to FIG. 1a , analveolus 10 is formed in a patient's jawbone 15 to accommodate a dentalimplant fixture 20. Once the dental implant fixture 20 is securely inthe alveolus 10 (shown in FIG. 1b ), an abutment member 25 is coupledwith the dental implant fixture 20 (shown FIGS. 1c-d ). The restorationprocess is completed after tooth analogue 30 is coupled with theabutment member 25.

In view of the recent research, it has been determined that some peoplewith single-tooth and/or multiple-tooth implant restorations exhibitesthetic, functional, restorative and/or periodontal ramifications ofsubtle continued craniofacial growth that occurs after the implantrestorations are performed.

Craniofacial growth may influence the relationship of implantrestorations to the remaining teeth and jaw structure by, for example,causing changes in occlusion, causing migration of teeth with subsequenteffect of opening contact, and/or causing changes to anterior esthetic.

Changes in occlusion can be due to continued growth in the archcontaining the implants, as well as the opposing arch. In bothsituations, the position of the implants and associated restoration arestatic whereas the teeth are subject to movement in both facial andocclusal directions. These potential changes are not gender-specific.For situations such as posterior free-end implant restorationssupporting significant occlusal loads, these movements can negate theeffectiveness of the implant restoration over time, placing unfavorablestresses on the remaining dentition.

When natural teeth are present in the same arch with dental implants, anunforeseen long-term complication observed by many has been the openingof contacts between the implant restoration and typically the naturaltooth anterior to the implant restoration. With loss of the naturaltooth contact mesial to the implant restoration significantly affectedby age and condition of the opposing dentition.

Besides functional changes and consequences in occlusion and opening ofcontacts, it has been observed that subtle growth over time also canchange esthetic results once thought to be stable. Discrepancies havebecome manifest in three visible areas relative to adjacent teeth: theincisal edge length, the gingival margin height, and the facial contouralignment. Extrusion and up righting of the anterior teeth cansimultaneously cause all three discrepancies. Thinning of labialsoft/hard tissue over the implant or abutment can be a furtherconsequence accompanying this subtle growth process.

A discrepancy in facial alignment making the anterior implantrestoration relatively more labial may or may not be able to besuitability modified or revised, depending not only on the severity ofthe occurrence but also on such factors as implant axial alignment,available soft-tissue depth, and labial/palatal positioning of theimplant in the ridge. A progressive discrepancy between the implantrestoration's cervical gingival margin and that of the adjacent naturalteeth may be an esthetic complication with no easy resolution.

In view of the above, a need exists for an improved dental implant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1a-d depict restoration process known in the art.

FIGS. 2a-b depict dental implant known in the art.

FIG. 3a depicts a dental implant system according to some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 3b depicts a dental implant fixture according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 3c depicts a dental implant fixture according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the dental implant fixtureshown in FIG. 3 b.

FIG. 5a depicts a top plan view of the dental implant fixture shown inFIG. 3 b.

FIG. 5b depicts a bottom plan view of an abutment member according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts another dental implant fixture according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7a depicts the dental implant fixture according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 7b depicts a top plan view of the dental implant shown in FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 7c depicts a cross-sectional view of the dental implant fixtureshown in FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 8 depicts a dental implant fixture according to some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts a dental implant system according to some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of the dental implant fixture shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 depicts a bottom plan view of an abutment member according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12a-d depict another dental implant system according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 13a-b depict another dental implant system according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14a-c depict another dental implant fixture according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 15-18 depict side views of the dental implant fixture shown inFIGS. 14a -c.

FIGS. 19a-c depict another dental implant fixture according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 20a -22 depict side views of the dental implant fixture shown inFIGS. 19a -c.

FIG. 23 depicts another dental implant fixture according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 depicts a top view of the dental implant fixture shown in FIG.23.

FIGS. 25-27 depict side views of the dental implant fixture shown inFIG. 23.

In the following description, like reference numbers are used toidentify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended toillustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammaticmanner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of everyimplementation nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and arenot drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toclearly describe various specific embodiments disclosed herein. Oneskilled in the art, however, will understand that the presently claimedinvention may be practiced without all of the specific details discussedbelow. In other instances, well known features have not been describedso as not to obscure the invention.

Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology usedherein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” andvariations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listedthereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unlesslimited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” andvariations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct andindirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms“connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted tophysical or mechanical connections or couplings.

According to one aspect, an implant fixture implantable in an alveolusof a patient's jawbone is presently disclosed. The implant fixturecomprises an elongated shaft section, and a head section comprising atleast one narrower side surface area, wherein the narrow side surfacearea provides an area for bone growth therein to compensate for jawbonedeterioration adjacent to the implant fixture due to craniofacial growth

According to another aspect, an implant fixture implantable in analveolus of a patient's jawbone is presently disclosed. The implantfixture comprises an elongated shaft section, and a head section,wherein the head section comprises at least one concave area for bonegrowth therein.

According to another aspect, an implant fixture implantable in analveolus of a patient's jawbone is presently disclosed. The implantfixture comprises an elongated shaft section with a distal end, and ahead section with a proximal end, wherein the head section comprises afirst diameter adjacent to the elongated shaft section and a seconddiameter adjacent to the proximal end, wherein the elongated shaftsection comprises a first diameter adjacent to the head section and asecond diameter adjacent to the distal end, wherein the second diameterof the head section is less than the first diameter of the elongatedshaft section.

FIG. 2a depicts a dental implant fixture 35 as known in the art embeddedwithin an alveolus formed in a jawbone 40 and coupled with an abutmentmember 45 and tooth analogue 50. The dental implant fixture 35 comprisesa longitudinal groove (i.e. back cut) 36 extending from the narrowdistal end 37 towards the abutment member 45. The longitudinal groove 36provides a greater surface area into which bone growth are formed toprevent the implant fixture 35 from vertical and rotational movementswithin the jawbone 40.

Due to craniofacial growth, over time, the jawbone 40 and/or soft tissue55 may at least partially deteriorate adjacent to the dental implantfixture 35 to expose the dental implant fixture 35 and/or the abutmentmember 45 as shown in FIG. 2b . When this occurs, the dental implantfixture 35 is removed using processes known in the art. The process ofremoving the dental implant fixture 35 is complex at least in part dueto the bone growth within the longitudinal groove 36 which prevent thedental implant fixture 35 from being unscrewed from the jawbone 40.

Referring to FIG. 3a , a dental implant system 61 is shown according tothe present disclosure. In some embodiments, the dental implant system61 comprises a bolt member 62, an abutment member 63, and a dentalimplant fixture 60.

In some embodiments, the bolt member 62 comprises a head segment 301 anda shaft segment 302. In some embodiments, the head segment 301 isgenerally disc shaped with a top notch or cross notch 303 or any othersuitable means to accommodate a driving tool, for example, a screwdriveror any other tool for rotating the bolt member 62. In some embodiments,the shaft segment 302 has one end coupled with the head segment 301. Insome embodiments, the shaft segment 302 comprises an outer screw threads304 which are located opposite from the head segment 301 and extendalong at least a portion of its length.

Referring to FIG. 3b , a dental implant fixture 60 is shown according tothe present disclosure. In some embodiments presently disclosed, thedental implant fixture 60 comprises a head section 65 with a proximalend 70. In some embodiments, the fixture 60 comprises an elongated shaftsection 75 with a distal end 81. In some embodiments, the head section65 is integrally coupled with the shaft section 75 to form a one-pieceimplant fixture 60. This prevents bacteria or other infection growthbetween the head section and the shaft section of the implant fixture60. In some embodiments, the elongated shaft section 75 is tapered.

In some embodiments, the implant fixture 60 comprises a stepped interiorclosed bore 80 extending partially downward from the proximal end 70into the shaft section 75. In some embodiments, the stepped interiorclosed bore 80 is off-center. In some embodiments, the interior closedbore 80 comprises inner screw threads 85 along at least a portion of itslength and an annular shelf 90 located above the inner screw threads 85(as shown in FIG. 4). In some embodiment, the inner screw threads 85 areconfigured to accommodate the outer screw threads 304 of the bolt member62. In some embodiments, the stepped interior closed bore 80 isconfigured to accommodate a protruding engagement end 307 (described inmore detail below) of the abutment member 63. Referring to FIG. 5a , atop plan view of the implant fixture 60 is shown according to someembodiments presently disclosed. In some embodiments, the proximal end70 has a circular flat surface 95 surrounded by a periphery surface 100comprising a long-axis and a short axis. In some embodiments, theproximal end 70 further comprises two or more apertures 105, 110 foraccommodating small tips of a standard dental tool, for example, implantmount or hand driver for orienting the implant fixture 60 and/orantirational means for the abutment member 63. In some embodiments, thehead section 65 comprises at least one narrower facial-side surface area120 and at least one wider interproximal-side surface area 115. Thefacial-side surface area 120 accommodates the contour of the gingivaltissue at the facial-side of the patient's oral cavity, which is locatedadjacent to the interior surface of the patient's lip, while theinterproximal-side surface area 115 accommodates the contour of thegingival tissue at the interproximal-side of the patient's oral cavitywhich is located adjacent to the patient's other tooth and/or implant.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 120 is concaved towardthe center of the circular flat surface 95.

In some embodiments, the head section 65 comprises a narrowerlingual-side surface area 125 and at least one wider interproximal-sidesurface area 130. The lingual-side surface area 125 accommodates thecontour of the gingival tissue at the lingual-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's tongue or palate,while the interproximal-side surface area 130 accommodates the contourof the gingival tissue at the interproximal-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's other tooth and/orimplant. In some embodiments, the lingual-side surface area 125 isconcaved toward the center of the circular flat surface 95.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 120 and/or thelingual-side surface area 125 provide an area for bone growth therein tocompensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 60due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surfacearea 120 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 125 provide anarch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate for jawbonedeterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 60 due to craniofacialgrowth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 120 and/or thenarrower lingual-side surface area 125 provide a flat area for bonegrowth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implantfixture 60 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 120 and/or the narrower lingual-side surfacearea 125 provide a concave shaped area for bone growth therein tocompensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 60due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volume and/or soft tissuevolume adjacent to the facial-side surface area 120 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 125 prevents early exposure of the implantfixture 60.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 120 and/or thelingual-side surface area 125 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 120 and/or the lingual-side surface area 125.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 120 and/or thelingual-side surface area 125 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 120 and/or the lingual-side surface area 125 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe head section 65 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the headsection 65 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the head section 65 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the head section 65. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 120 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 125 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/or softtissue growth therein.

In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 60 does not comprise thelongitudinal groove 36 (shown in FIGS. 2a-b ) to prevent bone growththerein so as to allow the dental implant fixture 60 to be removed withless damage to patient's jawbone. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 120 and/or the lingual-side surface area 125 provide anarea where bone growth can grow therein to prevent the implant fixture60 from vertical and rotational movements within the patient's jawbone.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 75 comprises an outer screwthread 76 extending along at least a portion of its length. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 76 is continuous. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 76 is V-Thread, Square Thread,Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or a combination of two or moreof these threads. In some embodiments, the shaft section 75 comprises asubstantially longitudinal groove or back cut (not shown) extending fromthe distal end 81 towards the head section 65. The longitudinal groove(not shown) provides a greater surface area into which bone growth isformed to prevent the implant fixture 60 from vertical and rotationalmovements within the jawbone.

Referring to FIG. 3a , in some embodiments, an abutment member 63comprises a distal end 306 with a circular opening to accommodate theshaft segment 302 of the bolt member 62. Referring to FIG. 3a , in someembodiments, an abutment member 63 comprises a proximal portion 308 witha protruding engagement end 307 extending there from.

Referring to FIG. 5b , a bottom plan view of the abutment member 63 isshown according to some embodiments presently disclosed. According tosome embodiments, the proximal portion 308 comprises a surface 309. Insome embodiments, the surface 309 comprises a long-axis and a shortaxis. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 308 comprises at leastone narrower facial-side surface area 420 and at least one widerinterproximal-side surface area 415. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 420 is substantially similar to the facial-sidesurface area 120. In some embodiments, the interproximal-side surfacearea 415 is substantially similar to the interproximal-side surface area115. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 420 is concavedtoward the center of the abutment member 63.

In some embodiments, the proximal portion 308 comprises a narrowerlingual-side surface area 425 and at least one wider interproximal-sidesurface area 430. In some embodiments, the lingual-side surface area 425is substantially similar to the lingual-side surface area 125. In someembodiments, the interproximal-side surface area 430 is substantiallysimilar to the interproximal-side surface area 130. In some embodiments,the lingual-side surface area 425 is concaved toward the center of theabutment member 63.

In some embodiment, an abutment member 63 is configured to couple withthe head section 65 as shown in FIG. 3c . In some embodiment, anabutment member 63 is configured to couple with the head section 65 soas to align the facial-side surface area 420 with the facial-sidesurface area 120. In some embodiment, an abutment member 63 isconfigured to couple with the head section 65 so as to align theinterproximal-side surface area 415 with the interproximal-side surfacearea 115. In some embodiment, an abutment member 63 is configured tocouple with the head section 65 so as to align the lingual-side surfacearea 425 with the lingual-side surface area 125. In some embodiment, anabutment member 63 is configured to couple with the head section 65 soas to align the interproximal-side surface area 430 with theinterproximal-side surface area 130.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 420 and/or thelingual-side surface area 425 provide an area for bone growth therein tocompensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the abutment member 63due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surfacearea 420 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 425 provide anarch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate for jawbonedeterioration adjacent to abutment member 63 due to craniofacial growth.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 420 and/or thenarrower lingual-side surface area 425 provide a flat area for bonegrowth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to abutmentmember 63 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 420 and/or the narrower lingual-side surfacearea 425 provide a concave shaped area for bone growth therein tocompensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to abutment member 63 dueto craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volume and/or soft tissue volumeadjacent to the facial-side surface area 420 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 425 prevents early exposure of the abutmentmember 63.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 420 and/or thelingual-side surface area 425 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 420 and/or the lingual-side surface area 425.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 420 and/or thelingual-side surface area 425 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 420 and/or the lingual-side surface area 425 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe abutment member 63 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the abutmentmember 63 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the abutment member 63 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the abutment member 63. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 420 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 425 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/or softtissue growth therein.

Referring to FIG. 6, a dental implant fixture 200 is shown according tothe present disclosure. In some embodiments presently disclosed, thedental implant fixture 200 comprises a head section 265 with a proximalend 270. In some embodiments, the fixture 200 comprises an elongatedshaft section 275 with a distal end 280. In some embodiments, the headsection 265 is integrally coupled with the shaft section 275 to form aone-piece implant fixture 200. This prevents bacteria or other infectiongrowth between the head section and the shaft section of the implantfixture 200. In some embodiments, the elongated shaft section 275 istapered.

Referring to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the head section 265 issubstantially circular comprising a first head section diameter 300adjacent to the shaft section 275 and comprising a second head sectiondiameter 305 adjacent to the proximal end 270. In some embodiments, theshaft section 275 is substantially circular comprising a first shaftdiameter 310 adjacent to the head section 265 and comprising a secondshaft diameter 320 adjacent to the distal end 280. According to someembodiments, the head section 265 is substantially oval. According tosome embodiments, the head section 265 is substantially triangular.

According to some embodiments, the head section 265 comprises aconcavity/arch 1700 along the perimeter. According to some embodiments,the concavity 1700 is all the way around the dental implant fixture 200.

According to some embodiments, the concavity 1700 is disposed betweenthe shaft section 275 and the proximal end 270. According to someembodiments, the narrowest portion of the concavity 1700 is representedby the first head section diameter 300. According to some embodiments,the widest portion of the concavity 1700 is represented by the secondhead section diameter 305. According to some embodiments, the widestportion of the concavity 1700 is represented by the first shaft diameter310.

In some embodiments, the first head section diameter 300 is less thanthe first shaft diameter 310. In some embodiments, the second headsection diameter 305 is less than the first shaft diameter 310. In someembodiments, the first head section diameter 300 and the second headsection diameter 305 are less than the first shaft diameter 310. In someembodiments, the first head section diameter 300 and the second headsection diameter 305 are substantially equal to the first shaft diameter310. In some embodiments, the second head section diameter 305 issubstantially equal to the first shaft diameter 310. In someembodiments, the first shaft diameter 310 is substantially equal to thesecond shaft diameter 320. In some embodiments, the second shaftdiameter 320 is less than the first shaft diameter 310.

In some embodiments, the head section 265 provides an area for bonegrowth therein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to theimplant fixture 200 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, thehead section 265 provides the arch 1700 shaped area for bone growththerein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implantfixture 200 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the headsection 265 provides the concavity 1700 shaped area to allow bone growththerein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implantfixture 200 due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volume and/orsoft tissue volume adjacent to the head section 265 prevents earlyexposure of the dental implant fixture 200.

In some embodiments, the head section 265 provides a concave 1700 shapedarea to improve bone formation due to the gap between the existing boneand the concave shaped area. In some embodiments, the head section 265provides a concave 1700 shaped area to allow greater bone growththerein. In some embodiments, the head section 265 provides a concave1700 shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone and thehead section 265 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the headsection 265 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the head section 265 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the head section 265. In someembodiments, the head section 265 provides a concave 1700 shaped area toallow bone and/or soft tissue growth therein.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 275 comprises an outer screwthread 276 extending along at least a portion of its length. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 276 is continuous. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 276 is V-Thread, Square Thread,Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or a combination of two or moreof these threads. In some embodiments, the shaft section 275 comprises asubstantially longitudinal groove (not shown) extending from the distalend 280 towards the head section 265. The longitudinal groove (notshown) provides a greater surface area into which bone growth is formedto prevent the implant fixture 200 from vertical and rotationalmovements within the jawbone.

Referring to FIGS. 7a-c , a dental implant fixture 800 is shownaccording to the present disclosure. In some embodiments presentlydisclosed, the dental implant fixture 800 comprises a head section 865with a proximal end 870. In some embodiments, the fixture 800 comprisesan elongated shaft section 875 with a distal end 881. In someembodiments, the head section 865 is integrally coupled with the shaftsection 875 to form a one-piece implant fixture 800. This preventsbacteria or other infection growth between the head section and theshaft section of the implant fixture 800. In some embodiments, theelongated shaft section 875 is tapered.

In some embodiments, the implant fixture 800 comprises a steppedinterior closed bore 880 extending partially downward from the proximalend 870 into the shaft section 875 as shown in FIG. 7c . In someembodiments, the stepped interior closed bore 880 is off-center. In someembodiments, the interior closed bore 880 comprises inner screw threads885 along at least a portion of its length and an annular shelf 890located above the inner screw threads 885 (as shown in FIG. 7c ). Insome embodiment, the inner screw threads 885 are configured toaccommodate the outer screw threads 304 of the bolt member 62. In someembodiments, the stepped interior closed bore 880 is configured toaccommodate a protruding engagement end 307 (described in more detailabove) of the abutment member 63.

Referring to FIG. 7b , a top plan view of the implant fixture 800 isshown according to some embodiments presently disclosed. In someembodiments, the proximal end 870 has a circular flat surface 895surrounded by a periphery surface 900 comprising a long-axis and a shortaxis. In some embodiments, the proximal end 870 further comprises two ormore apertures 805, 810, 811 for accommodating small tips of a standarddental tool, for example, implant mount or hand driver for orienting theimplant fixture 800. In some embodiments, the head section 865 comprisesat least one narrower facial-side surface area 820 and at least onewider surface area 830. The facial-side surface area 820 accommodatesthe contour of the gingival tissue at the facial-side of the patient'soral cavity, which is located adjacent to the interior surface of thepatient's lip, while the surface area 830 accommodates the contour ofthe gingival tissue at the interproximal-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's other tooth and/orimplant. In some embodiments, the surface area 830 accommodates thecontour of the gingival tissue at the lingual-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's tongue or palate. Insome embodiments, the surface area 830 accommodates the contour of thegingival tissue at the lingual-side of the patient's oral cavity whichis located adjacent to the patient's tongue or palate and accommodatesthe contour of the gingival tissue at the interproximal-side of thepatient's oral cavity which is located adjacent to the patient's othertooth and/or implant(s). In some embodiments, the facial-side surfacearea 820 is concaved toward the center of the implant fixture 800.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 820 provides an areafor bone growth therein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacentto the implant fixture 800 due to craniofacial growth. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 820 provides an arch shapedarea for bone growth therein to compensate for jawbone deteriorationadjacent to the implant fixture 800 due to craniofacial growth. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 820 provides a flat area forbone growth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to theimplant fixture 800 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 820 provides a concave shaped area for bonegrowth therein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to theimplant fixture 800 due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volumeand/or soft tissue volume adjacent to the facial-side surface area 820prevents early exposure of the implant fixture 800.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 820 provides a concaveshaped area to improve bone formation due to the gap between theexisting bone and the facial-side surface area 820. In some embodiments,the facial-side surface area 820 provides a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 820 provides a concave shaped area to prevent/minimizepressure between the bone and the implant fixture 800 during and/orimmediately after the procedure. Preventing and/or minimizing pressurebetween the bone and the implant fixture 800 during and/or immediatelyafter the procedure prevent resorption of the bone around the implantfixture 800 and/or allows increased bone formation around the implantfixture 800. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 820provides a concave shaped area to allow bone and/or soft tissue growththerein.

In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 800 does not comprisethe longitudinal groove 36 (shown in FIGS. 2a-b ) to prevent bone growththerein so as to allow the dental implant fixture 800 to be removed withless damage to patient's jawbone. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 820 provides an area where bone growth can grow therein toprevent the implant fixture 800 from vertical and rotational movementswithin the patient's jawbone.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 875 comprises an outer screwthread 876 (shown in FIG. 7a ) extending along at least a portion of itslength. In some embodiments, the outer screw thread 876 is continuous.In some embodiments, the outer screw thread 876 is V-Thread, SquareThread, Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or a combination of twoor more of these threads. In some embodiments, the shaft section 875comprises a substantially longitudinal groove or back cut (not shown)extending from the distal end 881 towards the head section 865. Thelongitudinal groove (not shown) provides a greater surface area intowhich bone growth is formed to prevent the implant fixture 800 fromvertical and rotational movements within the jawbone.

Referring to FIG. 8, a dental implant fixture 900 is shown according tothe present disclosure. In some embodiments presently disclosed, thedental implant fixture 900 comprises a head section 905 with a proximalend 910. In some embodiments, the fixture 900 comprises an elongatedshaft section 915 with a distal end 920. In some embodiments, the headsection 905 is integrally coupled with the shaft section 915 to form aone-piece implant fixture 900. This prevents bacteria or other infectiongrowth between the head section and the shaft section of the implantfixture 900. In some embodiments, the elongated shaft section 915 istapered.

In some embodiments, the implant fixture 900 comprises a steppedinterior closed bore 925 extending partially downward from the proximalend 910 into the shaft section 915. In some embodiments, the steppedinterior closed bore 925 is off-center. In some embodiments, theinterior closed bore 925 comprises inner screw threads 930 along atleast a portion of its length. In some embodiment, the inner screwthreads 930 are configured to accommodate the outer screw threads 304 ofthe bolt member 62. In some embodiments, the stepped interior closedbore 925 is configured to accommodate a protruding engagement end 307(described in more detail above) of the abutment member 63. Although theinterior closed bore 925 is shown as being circular, it is to beunderstood that the interior closed bore 925 can be any shape asdiscussed further below with respect to FIG. 9.

In some embodiments, the proximal end 910 comprises two or moreapertures 935, 940 for accommodating small tips of a standard dentaltool, for example, implant mount or hand driver for orienting theimplant fixture 900. In some embodiments, the head section 905 comprisesat least one narrower facial-side surface area 945 and at least onewider interproximal-side surface area 950. The facial-side surface area945 accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at the facial-sideof the patient's oral cavity, which is located adjacent to the interiorsurface of the patient's lip, while the interproximal-side surface area950 accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at theinterproximal-side of the patient's oral cavity which is locatedadjacent to the patient's other tooth and/or implant. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 945 is concaved toward thecenter of the bore 925.

In some embodiments, the head section 905 comprises a narrowerlingual-side surface area 955 and at least one wider interproximal-sidesurface area 960. The lingual-side surface area 955 accommodates thecontour of the gingival tissue at the lingual-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's tongue or palate,while the interproximal-side surface area 960 accommodates the contourof the gingival tissue at the interproximal-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's other tooth and/orimplant. In some embodiments, the lingual-side surface area 955 isconcaved toward the center of the bore 925.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 945 and/or thelingual-side surface area 955 provide an area for bone growth therein tocompensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 900due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surfacearea 945 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 955 provide anarch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate for jawbonedeterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 900 due to craniofacialgrowth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 945 and/or thenarrower lingual-side surface area 955 provide a flat area for bonegrowth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implantfixture 900 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 945 and/or the narrower lingual-side surfacearea 955 provide a concave shaped area for bone growth therein tocompensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 900due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volume and/or soft tissuevolume adjacent to the facial-side surface area 945 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 955 prevents early exposure of the implantfixture 900.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 945 and/or thelingual-side surface area 955 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 945 and/or the lingual-side surface area 955.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 945 and/or thelingual-side surface area 955 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 945 and/or the lingual-side surface area 955 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe head section 905 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the headsection 905 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the head section 905 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the head section 905. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 945 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 955 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/or softtissue growth therein.

In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 900 comprises alongitudinal groove 970 to allow bone growth therein to prevent theimplant fixture 900 from vertical and rotational movements within thepatient's jawbone. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 945and/or the lingual-side surface area 955 provide an area where bonegrowth can grow therein to prevent the implant fixture 900 from verticaland rotational movements within the patient's jawbone.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 915 comprises an outer screwthread 975 extending along at least a portion of its length. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 975 is continuous. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 975 is V-Thread, Square Thread,Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or a combination of two or moreof these threads. In some embodiments, the shaft section 915 comprises asubstantially longitudinal groove or back cut (not shown) extending fromthe distal end 920 towards the head section 905. The longitudinal groove(not shown) provides a greater surface area into which bone growth isformed to prevent the implant fixture 900 from vertical and rotationalmovements within the jawbone.

Referring to FIG. 9, a dental implant system 1000 is shown according tothe present disclosure. In some embodiments, the dental implant system1000 comprises a bolt member 1002, an abutment member 1003, and a dentalimplant fixture 1004.

In some embodiments, the bolt member 1002 comprises a head segment 1005and a shaft segment 1006. In some embodiments, the head segment 1005 isgenerally disc shaped with a top notch 1007 or any other suitable meansto accommodate a driving tool, for example, a screwdriver or any othertool for rotating the bolt member 1002. In some embodiments, the shaftsegment 1006 has one end coupled with the head segment 1005. In someembodiments, the shaft segment 1006 comprises an outer screw threads1008 which are located opposite from the head segment 1005 and extendalong at least a portion of its length.

Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments presently disclosed, the dentalimplant fixture 1004 comprises a head section 1010 with a proximal end1015. In some embodiments, the fixture 1004 comprises an elongated shaftsection 1020 with a distal end 1025. In some embodiments, the headsection 1010 is integrally coupled with the shaft section 1020 to form aone-piece implant fixture 1004. This prevents bacteria or otherinfection growth between the head section and the shaft section of theimplant fixture 1004. In some embodiments, the elongated shaft section1020 is tapered. In some embodiments, the implant fixture 1004 comprisesa stepped interior closed bore 1030 extending partially downward fromthe proximal end 1015 into the shaft section 1020. In some embodiments,the stepped interior closed bore 1030 is off-center. In someembodiments, the interior closed bore 1030 comprises inner screw threads1035 along at least a portion of its length and an annular shelf 1040located above the inner screw threads 1035 (as shown in FIG. 9). In someembodiments, the inner screw threads 1035 are configured to accommodatethe outer screw threads 1008 of the bolt member 1002. In someembodiments, the stepped interior closed bore 1030 is configured toaccommodate a protruding engagement end 1045 (described in more detailbelow) of the abutment member 1003.

Referring to FIG. 10, a top plan view of the implant fixture 1004 isshown according to some embodiments presently disclosed. In someembodiments, the proximal end 1015 has a periphery surface 1050comprising a long-axis and a short axis. In some embodiments, thestepped interior closed bore 1030 is configured to accommodate a dentaltool for orienting the implant fixture 1004. In some embodiments, thehead section 1010 comprises at least one narrower facial-side surfacearea 1055 and at least one wider interproximal-side surface area 1060.The facial-side surface area 1055 accommodates the contour of thegingival tissue at the facial-side of the patient's oral cavity, whichis located adjacent to the interior surface of the patient's lip, whilethe interproximal-side surface area 1060 accommodates the contour of thegingival tissue at the interproximal-side of the patient's oral cavitywhich is located adjacent to the patient's other tooth and/or implant.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1055 is concavedtoward the center of the interior closed bore 1030.

In some embodiments, the head section 1010 comprises a narrowerlingual-side surface area 1065 and at least one wider interproximal-sidesurface area 1070. The lingual-side surface area 1065 accommodates thecontour of the gingival tissue at the lingual-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's tongue or palate,while the interproximal-side surface area 1070 accommodates the contourof the gingival tissue at the interproximal-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's other tooth and/orimplant. In some embodiments, the lingual-side surface area 1065 isconcaved toward the center of the interior closed bore 1030.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1055 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1065 provide an area for bone growth thereinto compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture1004 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1055 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1065provide an arch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate forjawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 1004 due tocraniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area1055 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1065 provide a flatarea for bone growth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent tothe implant fixture 1004 due to craniofacial growth. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1055 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 1065 provide a concave shaped area for bonegrowth therein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to theimplant fixture 1004 due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volumeand/or soft tissue volume adjacent to the facial-side surface area 1055and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1065 prevents earlyexposure of the implant fixture 1004.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1055 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1065 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 1055 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1065.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1055 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1065 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1055 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1065 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe head section 1010 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the headsection 1010 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the head section 1010 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the head section 1010. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 155 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 165 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/or softtissue growth therein.

In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 1004 does not comprisethe longitudinal groove 36 (shown in FIGS. 2a-b ) to prevent bone growththerein so as to allow the dental implant fixture 1004 to be removedwith less damage to patient's jawbone. In some embodiments, the dentalimplant fixture 1004 comprises a longitudinal groove 1075 to allow bonegrowth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1055and/or the lingual-side surface area 1065 provide an area where bonegrowth can grow therein to prevent the implant fixture 1004 fromvertical and rotational movements within the patient's jawbone.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 1020 comprises an outer screwthread 1080 extending along at least a portion of its length. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 1080 is continuous. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 1080 is V-Thread, Square Thread,Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or a combination of two or moreof these threads. In some embodiments, the shaft section 1020 comprisesa substantially longitudinal groove or back cut (not shown) extendingfrom the distal end 1025 towards the head section 1010. The longitudinalgroove (not shown) provides a greater surface area into which bonegrowth is formed to prevent the implant fixture 1004 from vertical androtational movements within the jawbone.

Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, an abutment member 1003comprises a distal end 1090 with, for example, a circular opening toaccommodate the shaft segment 1006 of the bolt member 1002. Referring toFIG. 9, in some embodiments, an abutment member 1002 comprises aproximal portion 1091 with a protruding engagement end 1045 extendingthere from.

Referring to FIG. 11, a bottom plan view of the abutment member 1003 isshown according to some embodiments presently disclosed. According tosome embodiments, the protruding engagement end 1045 comprises a surface1105. In some embodiments, the surface 1105 comprises a long-axis and ashort axis. In some embodiments, the protruding engagement end 1045comprises at least one narrower facial-side surface area 1110 and atleast one wider interproximal-side surface area 1115. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1110 is substantially similarto the facial-side surface area 1055. In some embodiments, theinterproximal-side surface area 1115 is substantially similar to theinterproximal-side surface area 1060. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 1110 is concaved toward the center of theabutment member 1003.

In some embodiments, the protruding engagement end 1045 comprises anarrower lingual-side surface area 1120 and at least one widerinterproximal-side surface area 1125. In some embodiments, thelingual-side surface area 1120 is substantially similar to thelingual-side surface area 1065. In some embodiments, theinterproximal-side surface area 1125 is substantially similar to theinterproximal-side surface area 1070. In some embodiments, thelingual-side surface area 1120 is concaved toward the center of theabutment member 1003.

In some embodiment, an abutment member 1003 is configured to couple withthe head section 1010 as shown in FIG. 9 by arrow 1094. In someembodiment, an abutment member 1003 is configured to couple with thehead section 1010 so as to align the facial-side surface area 1110 withthe facial-side surface area 1055. In some embodiment, an abutmentmember 1003 is configured to couple with the head section 1010 so as toalign the lingual-side surface area 1120 with the lingual-side surfacearea 1065.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1110 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1120 provide a concave shaped area for boneand soft tissue formation therein to compensate for jawbonedeterioration adjacent to the abutment member 1003 due to craniofacialgrowth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1110 and/orthe narrower lingual-side surface area 1120 provide an arch shaped areafor bone growth and soft tissue formation therein to compensate forjawbone deterioration adjacent to abutment member 1003 due tocraniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area1110 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1120 provide a flatarea for bone growth and soft tissue formation to compensate for jawbonedeterioration adjacent to abutment member 1003 due to craniofacialgrowth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1110 and/orthe narrower lingual-side surface area 1120 provide a concave shapedarea for bone and soft tissue formation therein to compensate forjawbone deterioration adjacent to abutment member 1003 due tocraniofacial growth. Increasing bone volume and/or soft tissue volumeadjacent to the facial-side surface area 1110 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 1120 prevents early exposure of the abutmentmember 1003.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1110 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1120 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 1110 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1120.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1110 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1120 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1110 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1120 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe abutment member 1003 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the abutmentmember 1003 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the abutment member 1003 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the abutment member 1003. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1110 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 1120 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/orsoft tissue growth therein.

Referring to FIGS. 12a-b , a dental implant system 1200 is shownaccording to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the dentalimplant system 1200 comprises a bolt member 1262, a healing cap 1263,and a dental implant fixture 1260. According to some embodiments, thedental implant system 1200 further comprises an abutment member (notshown).

In some embodiments, the bolt member 1262 comprises a head segment 1231and a shaft segment 1232. In some embodiments, the head segment 1231 isgenerally disc shaped with a top notch 1233 or any other suitable meansto accommodate a driving tool, for example, a screwdriver or any othertool for rotating the bolt member 1262. In some embodiments, the shaftsegment 1232 has one end coupled with the head segment 1231. In someembodiments, the shaft segment 1232 comprises an outer screw threads1234 which are located opposite from the head segment 1231 and extendalong at least a portion of its length.

Referring to FIGS. 12a-b , a dental implant fixture 1260 is shownaccording to the present disclosure. In some embodiments presentlydisclosed, the dental implant fixture 1260 comprises a head section 1265with a proximal end 1270. In some embodiments, the fixture 1260comprises an elongated shaft section 1275 with a distal end 1281. Insome embodiments, the head section 1265 is integrally coupled with theshaft section 1275 to form a one-piece implant fixture 1260. Thisprevents bacteria or other infection growth between the head section andthe shaft section of the implant fixture 1260. In some embodiments, theelongated shaft section 1275 is tapered. According to some embodiments,the head section 1265 is elliptically shaped. According to someembodiments, the head section 1265 is triangularly shaped. According tosome embodiments, the head section 1265 is circularly shaped.

In some embodiments, the implant fixture 1260 comprises a steppedinterior closed bore 1280 extending partially downward from the proximalend 1270 into the shaft section 1275. In some embodiments, the steppedinterior closed bore 1280 is off-center. In some embodiments, theinterior closed bore 1280 comprises inner screw threads (not shown)along at least a portion of its length and an annular shelf (not shown)located above the inner screw threads (not shown). In some embodiment,the inner screw threads (not shown) are configured to accommodate theouter screw threads 1234 of the bolt member 1262.

Referring to FIGS. 12a-c , in some embodiments, the proximal end 1270has a bevel periphery surface 1261 comprising a long-axis and a shortaxis. According to some embodiments, the proximal end 1270 has a flatsurface 1261 comprising a long-axis and a short axis. In someembodiments, the head section 1265 comprises at least one narrowerfacial-side surface area 1220 and at least one wider interproximal-sidesurface area 1215. The facial-side surface area 1220 accommodates thecontour of the gingival tissue at the facial-side of the patient's oralcavity, which is located adjacent to the interior surface of thepatient's lip, while the interproximal-side surface area 1215accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at theinterproximal-side of the patient's oral cavity which is locatedadjacent to the patient's other tooth and/or implant. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1220 is concaved toward thecenter of the surface 1261.

In some embodiments, the head section 1265 comprises a narrowerlingual-side surface area 1225 and at least one wider interproximal-sidesurface area 1230. The lingual-side surface area 1225 accommodates thecontour of the gingival tissue at the lingual-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's tongue or palate,while the interproximal-side surface area 1230 accommodates the contourof the gingival tissue at the interproximal-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's other tooth and/orimplant. In some embodiments, the lingual-side surface area 1225 isconcaved toward the center of the surface 1261.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1220 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1225 provide an area for bone growth thereinto compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture1260 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1220 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1225provide an arch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate forjawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 1260 due tocraniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area1220 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1225 provide a flatarea for bone growth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent tothe implant fixture 1260 due to craniofacial growth. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1220 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 1225 provide a concave shaped area for bonegrowth therein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to theimplant fixture 1260 due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volumeand/or soft tissue volume adjacent to the facial-side surface area 1220and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1225 prevents earlyexposure of the implant fixture 1260.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1220 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1225 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 1220 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1225.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1220 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1225 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1220 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1225 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe head section 1265 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the headsection 1265 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the head section 1265 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the head section 1265. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1220 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 1225 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/orsoft tissue growth therein.

In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 1260 comprises thelongitudinal groove 1236 to allow bone growth therein to prevent theimplant fixture 1260 from vertical and rotational movements within thepatient's jawbone. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area1220 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1225 provide an area wherebone growth can grow therein to prevent the implant fixture 1260 fromvertical and rotational movements within the patient's jawbone.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 1275 comprises an outer screwthread 1276 (shown in FIG. 12b ) extending along at least a portion ofits length. In some embodiments, the outer screw thread 1276 iscontinuous. In some embodiments, the outer screw thread 1276 isV-Thread, Square Thread, Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or acombination of two or more of these threads. In some embodiments, theshaft section 1275 comprises a substantially longitudinal groove or backcut (not shown) extending from the distal end 1281 towards the headsection 1265. The longitudinal groove (not shown) provides a greatersurface area into which bone growth is formed to prevent the implantfixture 1260 from vertical and rotational movements within the jawbone.In some embodiments, the shaft section 1275 comprises a plurality ofspaced apart transverse annular grooves 1299 (shown in FIG. 12a )extending along at least a portion of its length to provides a greatersurface area into which bone growth is formed to prevent the implantfixture 1260 from vertical and rotational movements within the jawbone.

Referring to FIGS. 12a-b , in some embodiments, the healing cap 1263comprises a distal end 1206 with a circular opening to accommodate theshaft segment 1232 of the bolt member 1262. Referring to FIG. 12a-b , insome embodiments, the healing cap 1263 comprises a proximal portion 1208with a protruding engagement end 1207 extending there from.

According to some embodiments, the proximal portion 1208 comprises abevel surface 1209. According to some embodiments, the beveled surface1209 matches perfectly the bevel periphery surface 1261 of proximal end1270.

According to some embodiments, the proximal portion 1208 comprises aflat surface 1209. According to some embodiments, the flat surface 1209matches perfectly the flat surface 1261 of proximal end 1270. Accordingto some embodiments, the proximal portion 1208 is elliptically shaped.According to some embodiments, the proximal portion 1208 is triangularlyshaped. According to some embodiments, the proximal portion 1208 iscircularly shaped.

According to some embodiments, the proximal portion 1208 comprises asurface 1209. According to some embodiments, the surface 1209 matchesperfectly the surface 1261 of proximal end 1270.

In some embodiments, the proximal portion 1208 comprises a long-axis anda short axis. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 1208 comprisesat least one narrower facial-side surface area 1320 and at least onewider interproximal-side surface area 1315. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 1320 is substantially similar to thefacial-side surface area 1220. In some embodiments, theinterproximal-side surface area 1315 is substantially similar to theinterproximal-side surface area 1215. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 1320 is concaved toward the center of thehealing cap 1263.

In some embodiments, the proximal portion 1208 comprises a narrowerlingual-side surface area 1325 and at least one wider interproximal-sidesurface area 1330. In some embodiments, the lingual-side surface area1325 is substantially similar to the lingual-side surface area 1225. Insome embodiments, the interproximal-side surface area 1330 issubstantially similar to the interproximal-side surface area 1230. Insome embodiments, the lingual-side surface area 1325 is concaved towardthe center of the healing cap 1263.

In some embodiment, the healing cap 1263 is configured to couple withthe head section 1265 as shown in FIGS. 12a-b . In some embodiment, thehealing cap 1263 is configured to couple with the head section 1265 soas to align the facial-side surface area 1320 with the facial-sidesurface area 1220. In some embodiment, the healing cap 1263 isconfigured to couple with the head section 1265 so as to align theinterproximal-side surface area 1315 with the interproximal-side surfacearea 1215. In some embodiment, the healing cap 1263 is configured tocouple with the head section 1265 so as to align the lingual-sidesurface area 1325 with the lingual-side surface area 1225. In someembodiment, the healing cap 1263 is configured to couple with the headsection 1265 so as to align the interproximal-side surface area 1330with the interproximal-side surface area 1230.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1320 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1325 provide an area for bone growth thereinto compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the healing cap 1263due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surfacearea 1320 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1325 provide anarch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate for jawbonedeterioration adjacent to the healing cap 1263 due to craniofacialgrowth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1320 and/orthe narrower lingual-side surface area 1325 provide a flat area for bonegrowth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the healingcap 1263 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 1320 and/or the narrower lingual-side surfacearea 1325 provide a concave shaped area for bone growth therein tocompensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the healing cap 1263due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volume and/or soft tissuevolume adjacent to the facial-side surface area 1320 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 1325 prevents early exposure of the healingcap 1263.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1320 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1325 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 1320 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1325.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1320 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1325 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1320 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1325 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe healing cap 1263 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the healingcap 1263 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the healing cap 1263 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the healing cap 1263. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1320 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 1325 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/orsoft tissue growth therein.

Referring to FIGS. 13a-b , a dental implant system 1500 is shownaccording to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the dentalimplant system 1500 comprises a bolt member 1562, a healing cap 1563,and a dental implant fixture 1560. According to some embodiments, thedental implant system 1500 further comprises an abutment member (notshown).

In some embodiments, the bolt member 1562 comprises a head segment 1531and a shaft segment 1532. In some embodiments, the head segment 1531 isgenerally disc shaped with a top notch 1533 or any other suitable meansto accommodate a driving tool, for example, a screwdriver or any othertool for rotating the bolt member 1562. In some embodiments, the shaftsegment 1532 has one end coupled with the head segment 1531. In someembodiments, the shaft segment 1532 comprises an outer screw threads1534 which are located opposite from the head segment 1531 and extendalong at least a portion of its length.

Referring to FIGS. 13a-b , a dental implant fixture 1560 is shownaccording to the present disclosure. In some embodiments presentlydisclosed, the dental implant fixture 1560 comprises a head section 1565with a proximal end 1570. In some embodiments, the fixture 1560comprises an elongated shaft section 1575 with a distal end 1581. Insome embodiments, the head section 1565 is integrally coupled with theshaft section 1575 to form a one-piece implant fixture 1560. Thisprevents bacteria or other infection growth between the head section andthe shaft section of the implant fixture 1560. In some embodiments, theelongated shaft section 1575 is tapered. According to some embodiments,the head section 1565 is elliptically shaped. According to someembodiments, the head section 1565 is triangularly shaped. According tosome embodiments, the head section 1565 is circularly shaped.

In some embodiments, the implant fixture 1560 comprises a steppedinterior closed bore (not shown) extending partially downward from theproximal end 1570 into the shaft section 1575. In some embodiments, thestepped interior closed bore (not shown) is off-center. In someembodiments, the interior closed bore (not shown) comprises inner screwthreads (not shown) along at least a portion of its length and anannular shelf (not shown) located above the inner screw threads (notshown). In some embodiment, the inner screw threads (not shown) areconfigured to accommodate the outer screw threads 1534 of the boltmember 1562.

Referring to FIGS. 13a-b , in some embodiments, the proximal end 1570has a surface 1561 comprising a long-axis and a short axis. According tosome embodiments, the surface 1516 is flat. According to someembodiments, the surface 1516 is beveled. In some embodiments, the headsection 1565 comprises at least one narrower facial-side surface area1520 and at least one wider interproximal-side surface area 1515. Thefacial-side surface area 1520 accommodates the contour of the gingivaltissue at the facial-side of the patient's oral cavity, which is locatedadjacent to the interior surface of the patient's lip, while theinterproximal-side surface area 1515 accommodates the contour of thegingival tissue at the interproximal-side of the patient's oral cavitywhich is located adjacent to the patient's other tooth and/or implant.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1520 is concavedtoward the center of the surface 1561.

In some embodiments, the head section 1565 comprises a narrowerlingual-side surface area 1525 and at least one wider interproximal-sidesurface area 1530. The lingual-side surface area 1525 accommodates thecontour of the gingival tissue at the lingual-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's tongue or palate,while the interproximal-side surface area 1530 accommodates the contourof the gingival tissue at the interproximal-side of the patient's oralcavity which is located adjacent to the patient's other tooth and/orimplant. In some embodiments, the lingual-side surface area 1525 isconcaved toward the center of the surface 1561.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1520 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1525 provide an area for bone growth thereinto compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture1560 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1520 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1525provide an arch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate forjawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 1560 due tocraniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area1520 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1525 provide a flatarea for bone growth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent tothe implant fixture 1560 due to craniofacial growth. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1520 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 1525 provide a concave shaped area for bonegrowth therein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to theimplant fixture 1560 due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volumeand/or soft tissue volume adjacent to the facial-side surface area 1520and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1525 prevents earlyexposure of the implant fixture 1560.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1520 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1525 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 1520 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1525.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1520 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1525 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1520 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1525 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe head section 1565 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the headsection 1565 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the head section 1565 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the head section 1565. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1520 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 1525 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/orsoft tissue growth therein.

In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 1560 comprises thelongitudinal groove 1536 to allow bone growth therein to prevent theimplant fixture 1560 from vertical and rotational movements within thepatient's jawbone. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area1520 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1525 provide an area wherebone growth can grow therein to prevent the implant fixture 1560 fromvertical and rotational movements within the patient's jawbone.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 1575 comprises an outer screwthread 1576 (shown in FIGS. 13a-b ) extending along at least a portionof its length. In some embodiments, the outer screw thread 1576 iscontinuous. In some embodiments, the outer screw thread 1576 isV-Thread, Square Thread, Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or acombination of two or more of these threads. In some embodiments, theshaft section 1575 comprises a substantially longitudinal groove or backcut (not shown) extending from the distal end 1581 towards the headsection 1565. The longitudinal groove (not shown) provides a greatersurface area into which bone growth is formed to prevent the implantfixture 1560 from vertical and rotational movements within the jawbone.

Referring to FIGS. 13a-b , in some embodiments, the healing cap 1563comprises a distal end 1506 with a circular opening to accommodate theshaft segment 1532 of the bolt member 1562. Referring to FIG. 13a-b , insome embodiments, the healing cap 1563 comprises a proximal portion 1508with a protruding engagement end (not shown) extending there from.

According to some embodiments, the proximal portion 1508 comprises asurface 1509. According to some embodiments, the beveled surface 1509matches perfectly the surface 1561 of proximal end 1570. According tosome embodiments, the proximal portion 1508 is elliptically shaped.According to some embodiments, the proximal portion 1508 is triangularlyshaped. According to some embodiments, the proximal portion 1508 iscircularly shaped.

In some embodiments, the proximal portion 1508 comprises a long-axis anda short axis. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 1508 comprisesat least one narrower facial-side surface area 1620 and at least onewider interproximal-side surface area 1615. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 1620 is substantially similar to thefacial-side surface area 1520. In some embodiments, theinterproximal-side surface area 1615 is substantially similar to theinterproximal-side surface area 1515. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 1620 is concaved toward the center of thehealing cap 1563.

In some embodiments, the proximal portion 1508 comprises a narrowerlingual-side surface area 1625 and at least one wider interproximal-sidesurface area 1630. In some embodiments, the lingual-side surface area1625 is substantially similar to the lingual-side surface area 1525. Insome embodiments, the interproximal-side surface area 1630 issubstantially similar to the interproximal-side surface area 1530. Insome embodiments, the lingual-side surface area 1625 is concaved towardthe center of the healing cap 1563.

In some embodiment, the healing cap 1563 is configured to couple withthe head section 1565 as shown in FIG. 12a . In some embodiment, thehealing cap 1563 is configured to couple with the head section 1565 soas to align the facial-side surface area 1620 with the facial-sidesurface area 1520. In some embodiment, the healing cap 1563 isconfigured to couple with the head section 1565 so as to align theinterproximal-side surface area 1615 with the interproximal-side surfacearea 1515. In some embodiment, the healing cap 1563 is configured tocouple with the head section 1565 so as to align the lingual-sidesurface area 1625 with the lingual-side surface area 1525. In someembodiment, the healing cap 1563 is configured to couple with the headsection 1565 so as to align the interproximal-side surface area 1630with the interproximal-side surface area 1530.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1620 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1625 provide an area for bone growth thereinto compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the healing cap 1563due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surfacearea 1620 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1625 provide anarch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate for jawbonedeterioration adjacent to the healing cap 1563 due to craniofacialgrowth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1620 and/orthe narrower lingual-side surface area 1625 provide a flat area for bonegrowth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the healingcap 1563 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 1620 and/or the narrower lingual-side surfacearea 1625 provide a concave shaped area for bone growth therein tocompensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the healing cap 1563due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volume and/or soft tissuevolume adjacent to the facial-side surface area 1620 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 1625 prevents early exposure of the healingcap 1563.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1620 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1625 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 1620 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1625.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1620 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1625 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1620 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1625 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe healing cap 1563 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the healingcap 1563 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the healing cap 1563 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the healing cap 1563. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1620 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 1625 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/orsoft tissue growth therein.

Referring to FIGS. 14a-b , a dental implant fixture 1600 is shownaccording to the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, thedental implant fixture 1600 comprises a head section 1665 with aproximal end 1670. In some embodiments, the fixture 1600 comprises anelongated shaft section 1675 with a distal end 1681. In someembodiments, the head section 1665 is integrally coupled with the shaftsection 1675 to form a one-piece implant fixture 1600. This preventsbacteria or other infection growth between the head section and theshaft section of the implant fixture 1600. In some embodiments, theelongated shaft section 1675 is tapered. According to some embodiments,the head section 1665 is generally rounded triangle shaped as shown inFIGS. 14a and 14 c.

According to some embodiments, the implant fixture 1600 comprises aprotrusion 1610 extending from the proximal end 1670. According to someembodiments, the head section 1665 is integrally coupled with theprotrusion 1610 to form a one-piece implant fixture 1600. This preventsbacteria or other infection growth between the head section 1665 and theprotrusion 1610 of the implant fixture 1600.

According to some embodiments, the protrusion 1610 is coupled with thetooth analogue 30. According to some embodiments, the tooth analogue 30comprises an opening (not shown) configured to accommodate theprotrusion 1610. According to some embodiments, the protrusion 1610 isfor fitting engagement with, attachment to, or connection to a dentalrestoration. The dental restoration may be a prosthetic restoration, asingle crown, the tooth analogue 30 and/or a bridge.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1610,to which the dental restoration is to be fixed, is shaped similarly toan incisor tooth. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, theprotrusion 1610 is shaped to accommodate an incisor dental restoration.According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1610comprises a conical base 1613 (shown in FIGS. 16-17). According to someembodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1610 comprises a fossasurface 1611 (i.e. shallow depression surface) extending from theconical base 1613. According to some embodiments presently disclosed,the protrusion 1610 comprises a partially conical surface 1612 extendingfrom the conical base 1613. According to some embodiments presentlydisclosed, the protrusion 1610 comprises a top end 1614 where thepartially conical surface 1612 and the fossa surface 1611 meet (shown inFIGS. 16-17).

Referring to FIGS. 14a-c , in some embodiments, the proximal end 1670has a bevel periphery surface 1661 comprising a long-axis and a shortaxis. According to some embodiments, the proximal end 1670 has a flatsurface 1661 comprising a long-axis and a short axis. In someembodiments, the head section 1665 comprises at least one narrowerfacial-side surface area 1621 and at least one wider interproximal-sidesurface area 1616. The facial-side surface area 1621 accommodates thecontour of the gingival tissue at the facial-side of the patient's oralcavity, which is located adjacent to the interior surface of thepatient's lip, while the interproximal-side surface area 1616accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at theinterproximal-side of the patient's oral cavity which is locatedadjacent to the patient's other tooth and/or implant. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1621 is concaved toward thecenter of the surface 1661.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1621 (shown in FIGS.14c and 15) provides an area for bone growth therein to compensate forjawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 1600 due tocraniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area1621 provides an arch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensatefor jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 1600 due tocraniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area1621 provides a flat area for bone growth to compensate for jawbonedeterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 1600 due to craniofacialgrowth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1621 providesa concave shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate for jawbonedeterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 1600 due to craniofacialgrowth. Increasing bone volume and/or soft tissue volume adjacent to thefacial-side surface area 1621 prevents early exposure of the implantfixture 1600.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1621 provides aconcave shaped area to improve bone formation due to the gap between theexisting bone and the facial-side surface area 1621. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1621 provides a concave shapedarea to allow greater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, thefacial-side surface area 1621 provides a concave shaped area toprevent/minimize pressure between the bone and the head section 1665during and/or immediately after the procedure. Preventing and/orminimizing pressure between the bone and the head section 1665 duringand/or immediately after the procedure prevent resorption of the bonearound the head section 1665 and/or allows increased bone formationaround the head section 1665. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1621 provides a concave shaped area to allow bone and/orsoft tissue growth therein.

In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 1600 comprises thelongitudinal groove 1636 to allow bone growth therein to prevent theimplant fixture 1600 from vertical and rotational movements within thepatient's jawbone. In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 1600comprises the longitudinal groove 1637 (shown in FIG. 18) to allow bonegrowth therein to prevent the implant fixture 1600 from vertical androtational movements within the patient's jawbone. In some embodiments,the facial-side surface area 1621 provides an area where bone growth cangrow therein to prevent the implant fixture 1600 from vertical androtational movements within the patient's jawbone. In some embodiments,the shaft section 1675 comprises an outer screw thread 1676 (shown inFIG. 14b ) extending along at least a portion of its length. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 1676 is continuous. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 1676 is V-Thread, Square Thread,Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or a combination of two or moreof these threads. In some embodiments, the shaft section 1675 comprisesa substantially longitudinal groove or back cut (not shown) extendingfrom the distal end 1681 towards the head section 1665. The longitudinalgroove (not shown) provides a greater surface area into which bonegrowth is formed to prevent the implant fixture 1600 from vertical androtational movements within the jawbone. In some embodiments, the shaftsection 1675 comprises a plurality of spaced apart transverse annulargrooves 1699 (shown in FIG. 14b ) extending along at least a portion ofits length to provides a greater surface area into which bone growth isformed to prevent the implant fixture 1600 from vertical and rotationalmovements within the jawbone.

According to some embodiments, the head section 1665 comprises an outerscrew thread 2715 extending along at least a portion of its length. Insome embodiments, the outer screw thread 2715 is continuous. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 2715 is micro thread, V-Thread,Square Thread, Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or a combinationof two or more of these threads.

According to some embodiments, the implant fixture 1600 is a one-pieceimplant. Referring to FIG. 16, a first portion of the implant fixture1600 is positioned in a patient's jaw bone 2710 and a second portion ofthe implant fixture 1600 is positioned in the patient's gingival tissue2720. According to some embodiments, a first portion of the facial-sidesurface area 1621 is positioned in the patient's jaw bone 2710 and asecond portion of the facial-side surface area 1621 is positioned in thepatient's gingival tissue 2720. According to some embodiments, the outerscrew thread 2715 is positioned in the patient's jaw bone 2710.According to some embodiments, a portion of the head section 1665located above the outer screw thread 2715 is positioned in the patient'sgingival tissue 2720.

Referring to FIGS. 19a-b , a dental implant fixture 1701 is shownaccording to the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, thedental implant fixture 1701 comprises a head section 1765 with aproximal end 1770. In some embodiments, the fixture 1701 comprises anelongated shaft section 1775 with a distal end 1781. In someembodiments, the head section 1765 is integrally coupled with the shaftsection 1775 to form a one-piece implant fixture 1701. This preventsbacteria or other infection growth between the head section and theshaft section of the implant fixture 1701. In some embodiments, theelongated shaft section 1775 is tapered. According to some embodiments,the head section 1765 is generally rounded triangle shaped as shown inFIG. 19 c.

According to some embodiments, the implant fixture 1701 comprises aprotrusion 1710 extending from the proximal end 1770. According to someembodiments, the head section 1765 is integrally coupled with theprotrusion 1710 to form a one-piece implant fixture 1701. This preventsbacteria or other infection growth between the head section 1765 and theprotrusion 1710 of the implant fixture 1701. According to someembodiments, the protrusion 1710 is coupled with the tooth analogue 30.According to some embodiments, the tooth analogue 30 comprises anopening configured to accommodate the protrusion 1710. According to someembodiments, the protrusion 1710 is for fitting engagement with,attachment to, or connection to a dental restoration. The dentalrestoration may be a prosthetic restoration, a single crown, the toothanalogue 30 and/or a bridge.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1710,to which the dental restoration is to be fixed, is shaped similarly toan incisor tooth. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, theprotrusion 1710 is shaped to accommodate an incisor dental restoration.According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1710comprises a conical base 1713 (shown in FIGS. 21-22). According to someembodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1710 comprises a fossasurface 1711 (i.e. shallow depression surface) extending from theconical base 1713. According to some embodiments presently disclosed,the protrusion 1710 comprises a partially conical surface 1712 extendingfrom the conical base 1713. According to some embodiments presentlydisclosed, the protrusion 1710 comprises a top end 1714 where thepartially conical surface 1712 and the fossa surface 1711 meet.

Referring to FIGS. 19a-c , in some embodiments, the proximal end 1770has a bevel periphery surface 1761 comprising a long-axis and a shortaxis. According to some embodiments, the proximal end 1770 has a flatsurface 1761 comprising a long-axis and a short axis. In someembodiments, the head section 1765 comprises at least one narrowerfacial-side surface area 1720 (shown in FIGS. 19c and 20a ) and at leastone wider interproximal-side surface area 1715. The facial-side surfacearea 1720 accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at thefacial-side of the patient's oral cavity, which is located adjacent tothe interior surface of the patient's lip, while the interproximal-sidesurface area 1715 accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at theinterproximal-side of the patient's oral cavity which is locatedadjacent to the patient's other tooth and/or implant. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1720 is concaved toward thecenter of the surface 1761.

According to some embodiments, the head section 1765 comprises anarrower lingual-side surface area 1725 (shown in FIGS. 19c and 20b )and at least one wider interproximal-side surface area 1730. Thelingual-side surface area 1725 accommodates the contour of the gingivaltissue at the lingual-side of the patient's oral cavity which is locatedadjacent to the patient's tongue or palate, while the interproximal-sidesurface area 1730 accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at theinterproximal-side of the patient's oral cavity which is locatedadjacent to the patient's other tooth and/or implant. In someembodiments, the lingual-side surface area 1725 is concaved toward thecenter of the surface 1761.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1720 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1725 provide an area for bone growth thereinto compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture1701 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1720 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1725provide an arch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate forjawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 1701 due tocraniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area1720 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1725 provide a flatarea for bone growth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent tothe implant fixture 1701 due to craniofacial growth. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1720 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 1725 provide a concave shaped area for bonegrowth therein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to theimplant fixture 1701 due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volumeand/or soft tissue volume adjacent to the facial-side surface area 1720and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1725 prevents earlyexposure of the implant fixture 1701.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1720 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1725 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 1720 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1725.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1720 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1725 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1720 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1725 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe head section 1765 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the headsection 1765 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the head section 1765 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the head section 1765. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1720 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 1725 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/orsoft tissue growth therein.

In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 1701 comprises thelongitudinal groove 1736 to allow bone growth therein to prevent theimplant fixture 1701 from vertical and rotational movements within thepatient's jawbone. In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 1701comprises the longitudinal groove 1737 (shown in FIG. 20b ) to allowbone growth therein to prevent the implant fixture 1701 from verticaland rotational movements within the patient's jawbone. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1720 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 1725 provide an area where bone growth can grow therein toprevent the implant fixture 1701 from vertical and rotational movementswithin the patient's jawbone.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 1775 comprises an outer screwthread 1776 (shown in FIG. 19b ) extending along at least a portion ofits length. In some embodiments, the outer screw thread 1776 iscontinuous. In some embodiments, the outer screw thread 1776 isV-Thread, Square Thread, Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or acombination of two or more of these threads. In some embodiments, theshaft section 1775 comprises a substantially longitudinal groove or backcut (not shown) extending from the distal end 1781 towards the headsection 1765. The longitudinal groove (not shown) provides a greatersurface area into which bone growth is formed to prevent the implantfixture 1701 from vertical and rotational movements within the jawbone.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 1775 comprises a plurality ofspaced apart transverse annular grooves 1799 (shown in FIG. 19b )extending along at least a portion of its length to provides a greatersurface area into which bone growth is formed to prevent the implantfixture 1701 from vertical and rotational movements within the jawbone.

According to some embodiments, the head section 1765 comprises an outerscrew thread 2815 extending along at least a portion of its length. Insome embodiments, the outer screw thread 2815 is continuous. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 2815 is micro thread, V-Thread,Square Thread, Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or a combinationof two or more of these threads.

According to some embodiments, the implant fixture 1701 is a one-pieceimplant. Referring to FIG. 21, a first portion of the implant fixture1701 is positioned in a patient's jaw bone 2810 and a second portion ofthe implant fixture 1701 is positioned in the patient's gingival tissue2820. According to some embodiments, a first portion of the facial-sidesurface area 1720 is positioned in the patient's jaw bone 2810 and asecond portion of the facial-side surface area 1720 is positioned in thepatient's gingival tissue 2820. According to some embodiments, a firstportion of the lingual-side surface area 1725 is positioned in thepatient's jaw bone 2810 and a second portion of the lingual-side surfacearea 1725 is positioned in the patient's gingival tissue 2820.

According to some embodiments, the outer screw thread 2815 is positionedin the patient's jaw bone 2810. According to some embodiments, a portionof the head section 1765 located above the outer screw thread 2815 ispositioned in the patient's gingival tissue 2820.

Referring to FIGS. 23-24, a dental implant fixture 1900 is shownaccording to the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, thedental implant fixture 1900 comprises a head section 1965 with aproximal end 1970. In some embodiments, the fixture 1900 comprises anelongated shaft section 1975 with a distal end 1981. In someembodiments, the head section 1965 is integrally coupled with the shaftsection 1975 to form a one-piece implant fixture 1900. This preventsbacteria or other infection growth between the head section and theshaft section of the implant fixture 1900. In some embodiments, theelongated shaft section 1975 is tapered. According to some embodiments,the head section 1965 is generally oval shaped as shown in FIG. 24.

According to some embodiments, the implant fixture 1900 comprises aprotrusion 1910 extending from the proximal end 1970. According to someembodiments, the head section 1965 is integrally coupled with theprotrusion 1910 to form a one-piece implant fixture 1900. This preventsbacteria or other infection growth between the head section 1965 and theprotrusion 1910 of the implant fixture 1900. According to someembodiments, the protrusion 1910 is coupled with the tooth analogue 30.According to some embodiments, the tooth analogue 30 comprises anopening (not shown) configured to accommodate the protrusion 1910.According to some embodiments, the protrusion 1910 is for fittingengagement with, attachment to, or connection to a dental restoration.The dental restoration may be a prosthetic restoration, a single crown,the tooth analogue 30 and/or a bridge.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1910,to which the dental restoration is to be fixed, is shaped similarly topremolar tooth and/or molar tooth. According to some embodimentspresently disclosed, the protrusion 1910 is shaped to accommodate apremolar dental restoration or a molar dental restoration. According tosome embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1910 comprises aconical base 1913 (shown in FIGS. 23 and 27). According to someembodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1910 comprises a firstangled surface 1911 and a second angled surface 1912. According to someembodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1910 comprises a firsttop end 1914 where the conical base 1913 and the first angled surface1911 meet. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, theprotrusion 1910 comprises a second top end 1917 where the conical base1913 and the second angled surface 1912 meet. According to someembodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 1910 comprises a lowerend 1919 where the first angled surface 1911 and the second angledsurface 1912 meet. According to some embodiments presently disclosed,the first top end 1914 is higher than the second top end 1917 and higherthan the lower end 1919. According to some embodiments presentlydisclosed, the second top end 1917 is higher than the lower end 1919.

Referring to FIGS. 23-24, in some embodiments, the proximal end 1970 hasa bevel periphery surface 1961 comprising a long-axis and a short axis.According to some embodiments, the proximal end 1970 has a flat surface1961 comprising a long-axis and a short axis. In some embodiments, thehead section 1965 comprises at least one narrower facial-side surfacearea 1920 (shown in FIGS. 24-25) and at least one widerinterproximal-side surface area 1915. The facial-side surface area 1920accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at the facial-side ofthe patient's oral cavity, which is located adjacent to the interiorsurface of the patient's lip, while the interproximal-side surface area1915 accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at theinterproximal-side of the patient's oral cavity which is locatedadjacent to the patient's other tooth and/or implant. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1920 is concaved toward thecenter of the surface 1961.

According to some embodiments, the head section 1965 comprises anarrower lingual-side surface area 1925 (shown in FIG. 26) and at leastone wider interproximal-side surface area 1930. The lingual-side surfacearea 1925 accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at thelingual-side of the patient's oral cavity which is located adjacent tothe patient's tongue or palate, while the interproximal-side surfacearea 1930 accommodates the contour of the gingival tissue at theinterproximal-side of the patient's oral cavity which is locatedadjacent to the patient's other tooth and/or implant. In someembodiments, the lingual-side surface area 1925 is concaved toward thecenter of the surface 1961.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1920 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1925 provide an area for bone growth thereinto compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture1900 due to craniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1920 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1925provide an arch shaped area for bone growth therein to compensate forjawbone deterioration adjacent to the implant fixture 1900 due tocraniofacial growth. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area1920 and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1925 provide a flatarea for bone growth to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent tothe implant fixture 1900 due to craniofacial growth. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1920 and/or the narrowerlingual-side surface area 1925 provide a concave shaped area for bonegrowth therein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to theimplant fixture 1900 due to craniofacial growth. Increasing bone volumeand/or soft tissue volume adjacent to the facial-side surface area 1920and/or the narrower lingual-side surface area 1925 prevents earlyexposure of the implant fixture 1900.

In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1920 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1925 provide a concave shaped area to improvebone formation due to the gap between the existing bone and thefacial-side surface area 1920 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1925.In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1920 and/or thelingual-side surface area 1925 provide a concave shaped area to allowgreater bone growth therein. In some embodiments, the facial-sidesurface area 1920 and/or the lingual-side surface area 1925 provide aconcave shaped area to prevent/minimize pressure between the bone andthe head section 1965 during and/or immediately after the procedure.Preventing and/or minimizing pressure between the bone and the headsection 1965 during and/or immediately after the procedure preventresorption of the bone around the head section 1965 and/or allowsincreased bone formation around the head section 1965. In someembodiments, the facial-side surface area 1920 and/or the lingual-sidesurface area 1925 provide a concave shaped area to allow bone and/orsoft tissue growth therein.

In some embodiments, the dental implant fixture 1900 comprises theshallow concavity 1936 (shown in FIGS. 23 and 25) to allow bone growththerein to prevent the implant fixture 1900 from vertical and rotationalmovements within the patient's jawbone. In some embodiments, the dentalimplant fixture 1900 comprises the longitudinal groove 1937 (shown inFIG. 26) to allow bone growth therein to prevent the implant fixture1900 from vertical and rotational movements within the patient'sjawbone. In some embodiments, the facial-side surface area 1920 and/orthe lingual-side surface area 1925 provide an area where bone growth cangrow therein to prevent the implant fixture 1900 from vertical androtational movements within the patient's jawbone.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 1975 comprises an outer screwthread 1976 (shown in FIG. 23) extending along at least a portion of itslength. In some embodiments, the outer screw thread 1976 is continuous.In some embodiments, the outer screw thread 1976 is V-Thread, SquareThread, Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or a combination of twoor more of these threads. In some embodiments, the shaft section 1975comprises a substantially longitudinal groove or back cut (not shown)extending from the distal end 1981 towards the head section 1965. Thelongitudinal groove (not shown) provides a greater surface area intowhich bone growth is formed to prevent the implant fixture 1900 fromvertical and rotational movements within the jawbone.

In some embodiments, the shaft section 1975 comprises a plurality ofspaced apart transverse annular grooves 1999 (shown in FIG. 23)extending along at least a portion of its length to provides a greatersurface area into which bone growth is formed to prevent the implantfixture 1900 from vertical and rotational movements within the jawbone.

According to some embodiments, the head section 1965 comprises an outerscrew thread 2915 extending along at least a portion of its length. Insome embodiments, the outer screw thread 2915 is continuous. In someembodiments, the outer screw thread 2915 is micro thread, V-Thread,Square Thread, Buttress Thread, Reverse Buttress Thread or a combinationof two or more of these threads.

According to some embodiments, the implant fixture 1900 is a one-pieceimplant. Referring to FIG. 27, a first portion of the implant fixture1900 is positioned in a patient's jaw bone 2910 and a second portion ofthe implant fixture 1900 is positioned in the patient's gingival tissue2920. According to some embodiments, a first portion of the facial-sidesurface area 1920 is positioned in the patient's jaw bone 2910 and asecond portion of the facial-side surface area 1920 is positioned in thepatient's gingival tissue 2920. According to some embodiments, a firstportion of the lingual-side surface area 1925 is positioned in thepatient's jaw bone 2910 and a second portion of the lingual-side surfacearea 1925 is positioned in the patient's gingival tissue 2920.

According to some embodiments, the outer screw thread 2915 is positionedin the patient's jaw bone 2910. According to some embodiments, a portionof the head section 1965 located above the outer screw thread 2915 ispositioned in the patient's gingival tissue 2920.

According to some embodiments, the implant fixture 1600, 1701 and/or1900 comprise ceramic material. According to some embodiments, theimplant fixture 1600, 1701 and/or 1900 comprise Zirconia material.

It is to be understood that the concavities 120, 125, 420, 425, 1700,820, 945, 955, 1055, 1065, 1110, 1120, 1220, 1225, 1520, 1525, 1620,1621, 1720, 1725, 1920 and/or 1925 as described above may be positionedon any side of the above described implant fixtures to allow bone growththerein to compensate for Cranio Facial bone resorption.

While several illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shownand described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments willoccur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternativeembodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from thescope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. The term “plurality” includes two or morereferents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Unless definedotherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich the disclosure pertains.

The foregoing detailed description of exemplary and preferredembodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure inaccordance with the requirements of the law. It is not intended to beexhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise form(s) described,but only to enable others skilled in the art to understand how theinvention may be suited for a particular use or implementation. Thepossibility of modifications and variations will be apparent topractitioners skilled in the art. No limitation is intended by thedescription of exemplary embodiments which may have included tolerances,feature dimensions, specific operating conditions, engineeringspecifications, or the like, and which may vary between implementationsor with changes to the state of the art, and no limitation should beimplied there from. Applicant has made this disclosure with respect tothe current state of the art, but also contemplates advancements andthat adaptations in the future may take into consideration of thoseadvancements, namely in accordance with the then current state of theart. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by theClaims as written and equivalents as applicable.

Reference to a claim element in the singular is not intended to mean“one and only one” unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, no element,component, nor method or process step in this disclosure is intended tobe dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component,or step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein isto be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, sixthparagraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase“means for . . . ” and no method or process step herein is to beconstrued under those provisions unless the step, or steps, areexpressly recited using the phrase “step(s) for . . . .”

What is claimed is:
 1. An implant fixture implantable in an alveolus ofa patient's jawbone, the implant fixture comprising: an elongated shaftsection; a substantially oval head section comprising at least onenarrower side surface area; and a protrusion extending from the headsection; wherein the narrow side surface area provides an area for bonegrowth therein to compensate for jawbone deterioration adjacent to theimplant fixture due to craniofacial growth.
 2. The implant fixture inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the narrow side surface area provides aconcave shaped area for allowing bone growth therein.
 3. The implantfixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein the head section comprisesat least one wider side surface area.
 4. The implant fixture inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the substantially oval head sectioncomprises another narrower side surface area.
 5. The implant fixture inaccordance with claim 4, wherein the another narrower side surface areaprovides another concave shaped area for allowing bone growth therein.6. The implant fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein the narrowside surface area provides another area for gingival tissue growththerein.
 7. The implant fixture in accordance with claim 5, wherein theanother narrow side surface area provides another area for gingivaltissue growth therein.
 8. An implant fixture implantable in an alveolusof a patient's jawbone, the implant fixture comprising: an elongatedshaft section; a head section, wherein the head section comprises atleast one concave area for bone growth therein; and a protrusionextending from the head section.
 9. The implant fixture in accordancewith claim 8, wherein the head section is substantially triangular. 10.The implant fixture in accordance with claim 8, wherein the head sectionis substantially oval.
 11. The implant fixture in accordance with claim8, wherein the head section comprises another concave area for bonegrowth therein.
 12. The implant fixture in accordance with claim 8,wherein the at least one concave area is for gingival tissue growththerein.
 13. The implant fixture in accordance with claim 5, wherein theanother concave area is for gingival tissue growth therein.
 14. Animplant fixture implantable in an alveolus of a patient's jawbone, theimplant fixture comprising: an elongated shaft section; and a headsection above the elongated shaft section; and a protrusion extendingfrom the head section; wherein said implant fixture comprises a proximalend above the head section, wherein the proximal end comprises aperiphery surface; wherein the periphery surface comprises a firstconcave area for gingival tissue growth therein.
 15. The implant fixturein accordance with claim 14, wherein said head section is substantiallytriangular.
 16. The implant fixture in accordance with claim 14, whereinsaid periphery surface comprises a second concave area for gingivaltissue growth therein.